Steeped in Tradition at IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman

The Eagleman has a 17-year history within the American triathlon community, with many athletes returning annually to compete on the often hot, humid and windy course. Contributing to the popularity of the event, age group participants will have an opportunity to compete for 30 coveted IRONMAN World Championship qualifying spots in addition to the 40 IRONMAN 70.3 Championship qualifying spots.

Potts the man to beat

The 2007 IRONMAN 70.3 world champion, Andy Potts (USA), comes into Maryland as the man to watch. In 2012, the former Olympian racked up four IRONMAN 70.3 titles, a win at IRONMAN Lake Placid and a top-ten finish at the IRONMAN World Championships. The five-time IRONMAN champ is a natural at the distance as one of the best swimmers in the sport.

Out to make Potts work for his money will be Greg Bennett (USA), whose superb win last weekend at IRONMAN 70.3 Raleigh showed the veteran is always a threat. James Cunnama (ZAF) had a second place performance at IRONMAN Texas in May and will likely have to rely upon his impressive run to be in the hunt for the win. Ten-time IRONMAN champion Viktor Zyemtsev (UKR) will be making his fourth appearance at IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman on Saturday.

Big names in the women's race

IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 world champion Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) will be starting on Sunday. Carfrae has two wins at Eagleman and will have plenty of competition this weekend. Defending champion Meredith Kessler (USA), just off her recent win in St. George, has once again illustrated she is a dangerous an competitor at either distance.

Angela Naeth (CAN) has dedicated her focus to IRONMAN 70.3 distance racing and in 2012 recorded wins at IRONMAN 70.3 Panama, St. Croix and Syracuse. Laura Bennett (USA) comes into this race after an impressive race win at the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Raleigh last weekend.

Visit the IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman event page for more information about the course, professional ranking points, prize purse and age group qualifying slots. Join the conversation on Twitter using #IM703Eagleman and check back on race day for text updates and to track your athlete.